The Royal Navy has made a significant change to its recruitment policy by eliminating the requirement for recruits to prove their ability to swim, in what one defense source called a "desperate" relaxing of standards to address a recruitment crisis. This decision has sparked a wide range of reactions, with some defense sources labeling it a desperate measure to address the recruitment crisis. The move has been met with both criticism and support, with figures like former NATO Commander Rear Admiral Chris Parry and commentator Richard Kemp weighing in. Parry referenced historical contexts where a majority of sailors in the 18th century, approximately 90%, were non-swimmers, while Kemp supported the decision, arguing it is better than turning potential recruits away. The change has been reported across various news outlets, highlighting its impact on traditional naval standards and raising concerns about the implications for safety and operational readiness.
The British Navy has cancelled the requirement to pass a swimming test prior to joining. Seriously. https://t.co/Yf4JElkAyz
The Royal Navy is set to hire recruits who can't swim. @drdavidbull | @rosiewright99 | @NichiHodgson | @JAHeale https://t.co/xts5GnNWcY
π Royal Navy recruits no longer need to prove that they can swim https://t.co/iURf26h0jM
'We used to rule the waves' 'The Russians don't need to shoot us, they just need to push us overboard' The Royal Navy have said it is no longer a requirement to entry that you need to be able to swim. @NickDixonComic @LeoKearse @ScottCapurro https://t.co/tare0SdAzI
'I don't have a problem with this! I think it's better than letting people come to the recruitment office and then being told to go away and learn to swim!' Richard Kemp reacts to the Royal Navy dropping its swim rule for new candidates amid a recruitment crisis. https://t.co/MKQsW2VDkt
Prospective Royal Navy recruits will no longer need to prove they can swim before beginning their training, a report has claimed @choIiver reports https://t.co/WGFFPMtaWn
'If you go back to the 18th century in Nelson's navy, 90% of sailors couldn't swim.' Former NATO Commander, Rear Admiral Chris Parry, reacts to reports that Royal Navy recruits will no longer need to be able to swim to sign up. https://t.co/x6Jq7rnaPR
Anyone seeking to join the Royal Navy will no longer need to prove they can swim in what one defence source called a "desperate" relaxing of standards to tackle a recruitment crisis Read moreπ https://t.co/mIEA8cGjmu
IS IT APRIL FOOL'S DAY? Now the Royal Navy has dropped the swimming test?! What next? Vertigo is OK in the RAF?! Join me on @GBNEWS next for more armed forces madness... Royal Navy recruits no longer need to be swimmers https://t.co/pYrxRmdKFV
Royal Navy recruits no longer need to be swimmers Read moreπ https://t.co/sHhKX9lK97